The Sideline Clip Sets Off Criticism
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was on the sideline for Monday Night Football, even though a hamstring injury kept him from playing. As the Bears prepared to face the Philadelphia Eagles, Mariachi Herencia de México performed the national anthem. A posted clip appeared to show Williams wearing sweats and sunglasses while casually walking along the sideline around the 49-second mark. Other Bears and Eagles players, along with coaches, appeared to be standing at attention. That contrast quickly became the focus for critics. Walking around in sunglasses while others stand for the anthem is not exactly a master class in reading the room, and some viewers accused Williams of disrespecting the flag.
Root Says the Band Was Not the Problem
Christian sports pundit Jon Root said he had little issue with the mariachi band performing the anthem. Instead, he pointed directly at Williams, writing, “I may be in the minority here, but I thought the mariachi band playing the United States National Anthem for Monday [Night] Football was kinda cool. The problem people should have is Caleb Williams disrespecting the flag by walking around during the Anthem.” Another X user made the criticism even more blunt: “Caleb Williams too good for the national anthem? Just wandering the sideline.” The complaints are centered on Williams’ conduct during the song, not on the musicians who performed it.
This Is Not Williams’ First Anthem Controversy
The latest clip is also being viewed alongside an earlier incident. As Fox News pointed out, Williams was questioned last season after he was seen appearing to joke around with a teammate during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The NFL later shared that moment with the caption, “10/10 National Anthem. No notes.” That previous episode does not prove what Williams intended during the latest game, but it explains why some fans were quick to recognize a pattern and question his approach during the anthem.
A Familiar NFL Flashpoint Returns
The dispute revives a controversy that the NFL has spent years trying to leave behind. Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked national headlines when he knelt during the national anthem to draw attention to social justice reform. Many Americans viewed the protest as disrespectful to the flag and the country, while the league dealt with heavy criticism and a noticeable ratings hit. The source article notes that even so-called bad NFL ratings remain far higher than other television programming. That history helps explain why even a short sideline clip can produce an immediate reaction from fans who believe players should show respect during the anthem.
Williams Is Expected to Miss the Next Game
Williams is not expected to play when the Bears host the New York Jets on Sunday as he continues recovering from his hamstring injury. Chicago defeated Philadelphia 27-7 without its starting quarterback, but the football result was not the only thing drawing attention from fans. For now, Williams’ injury keeps him off the field while his conduct during the national anthem remains the subject of criticism.
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The Mariachi Herencia de México performed the national anthem in Chicago 🎶 pic.twitter.com/6Sv20SBqIr
— ESPN (@espn) September 29, 2026
